New A38 speed cameras installed

A dozen new speed cameras are set to be installed along one of Cornwall's most dangerous roads. This comes as part of a plan by National Highways and the Vision Zero South West Road Safety Partnership to improve safety on the A38[1] between Carkeel and Trerulefoot. The scheme will include 10 average speed camera installations and two new spot speed cameras between the Carkeel roundabout and Trerulefoot, with new 30mph speed restrictions being put in place in the villages of Landrake and Tideford.

Working alongside Cornwall Council and Devon & Cornwall Police, among other external partners, National Highways, which is responsible for Englands motorways and strategic A roads, has identified safety issues on this six-mile stretch, CornwallLive reports.[2][3] The most recent five-year validated collision data, from 2019 to 2023, revealed a total of 60 collisions, resulting in 97 casualties, two of which were fatalities. Following further monitoring and studies, an average speed camera scheme will be implemented in the coming months.

A Traffic Regulation Order has been initiated this month, and work is expected to start on the installation of cameras and associated signage in early summer. The GBP750,000 scheme is being jointly delivered on site by the Vision Zero partnership and will enforce the existing 50mph limit sections, while two bi-directional speed cameras will enforce the new speed restrictions through the two villages.

Jack Mason, National Highways' south west road safety manager, said: "Safety is our first priority, and we constantly monitor the safety performance of all our roads, including the A38. Following a review of the collision data and listening to concerns raised by local communities, we are working in partnership with our police and local authority partners and the implementation of the average speed camera scheme is a fully collaborative effort to reduce safety risks along this busy single lane section.

"We're always exploring ways to make our roads safer by using collision data, risk assessments and insights to better understand driver behaviour. The road sees a daily average of 23,600 journeys and the scheme is designed to improve safety for all road users and ultimately reduce the number of people harmed on the region's roads." Campaigners have long been calling for new safety measures along the notorious stretch of road.

Safe38, a group set up by residents to lobby for change following a string of fatal and serious accidents, has been championing the need for improvements[4] on the A38 for several years now. It previously launched a petition[5] calling for a new dual carriageway between Saltash[6] and Trerulefoot. James Millidge, Safe38 Chair, said: "Safe38 are delighted that average speed cameras and speed reduction measures are shortly to be delivered on the A38 between Carkeel and Trerulefoot.

Safe38 have long campaigned for this and to see them now set for delivery in just a matter of months rather than years is fantastic news for the residents and visitors of Southeast Cornwall. "They will help to save lives and secure livelihoods by making the road safer and more reliable. The work does not stop here though and Safe38 will continue to campaign for further safety measures and longer term for larger scale improvements to this crucial strategic road."

Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon and Cornwall Police[7], added: "We are delighted to be working alongside National Highways and Cornwall Council to deliver these safety improvements to this section of the A38. The local community have championed the need for a 24-hour monitoring presence, and I know will warmly welcome these proposals. "Average Speed Enforcement schemes have incredibly high levels of immediate speed compliance and deliver added benefits around reducing driver stress and examples of poor driving."

National Highways launched a public consultation in June 2022 into safety between Trerulefoot and Carkeel, which has a high collision rate. It had announced a package of measures[8] including speed cameras, improved road and junction layouts, upgraded bus lay-bys, reduced speed limits, improved signage, lighting and traffic signalling. Cllr Connor Donnithorne, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for transport, also said: "Average speed cameras not only ensure drivers stick to the speed limit, but they also improve road awareness because motorists pay more attention to their surroundings as they drive through.

"With speed and distraction being two of the main causes of collisions, partners have come together to do what we can to improve safety on this stretch of road with the limited funding available. I know the local community have long campaigned to improve safety here and while I appreciate many want to see the road upgraded, I hope this latest investment will demonstrate our commitment to addressing the issue." Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall, added: "I am delighted to see a positive step forward in road safety.

Having worked closely, since my election, with partners at National Highways, Cornwall Council, including Cllr Kate Ewert, and Devon and Cornwall Police, we have achieved this significant milestone in securing necessary improvements to the A38. This collaborative effort demonstrates commitment to making our roads safer for everyone." National Highways will continue to work with members of the Vision Zero South West Road Safety Partnership to improve safety on Devon and Cornwall's roads and will be monitoring the effectiveness of the average speed cameras, once installed.

The company has recently delivered an average speed camera scheme on the Saltash Tunnel diversion route, a similar scheme along the Glynn Valley A38 section, and completed a scheme to improve drainage and safety on the A38 at Notter Bridge and a feasibility study is also being progressed towards potential junction improvements between Liskeard[9] and Trerulefoot. Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, is chair of Vision Zero South West. She said: "It is great to show that we have all listened and acted on community led proposals to address the road safety issues along this route.

"Speed is one of the most common contributory factors in fatal and serious collisions and we know average camera systems have a really positive effect on driver behaviour. I welcome the collaborative approach taken by all partners and our community to find a way to make this stretch of road safer for all."

Join PlymouthLive's WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone

PlymouthLive is now on WhatsApp[10] and we want you to join us. Once you sign up for our updates, we'll send the latest breaking news and biggest stories of the day straight to your phone.

To join our community, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'Join Community'. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the PlymouthLive team.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'.

If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice[11].

Click here to join our WhatsApp community[12].

References

1. ^ A38 (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
2. ^ Devon & Cornwall Police (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
3. ^ CornwallLive reports. (www.cornwalllive.com)
4. ^ championing the need for improvements (www.cornwalllive.com)
5. ^ previously launched a petition (www.cornwalllive.com)
6. ^ Saltash (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
7. ^ Devon and Cornwall Police (www.cornwalllive.com)
8. ^ had announced a package of measures (www.cornwalllive.com)
9. ^ Liskeard (www.cornwalllive.com)
10. ^ PlymouthLive is now on WhatsApp (chat.whatsapp.com)
11. ^ Privacy Notice (www.reachplc.com)
12. ^ Click here to join our WhatsApp community (chat.whatsapp.com)